FNDC vs. FDTS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FNDC (Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF) and FDTS (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds - FNDC tracks the Russell RAFI Small Company Developed x US while FDTS tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FNDC returned 9.07%/yr vs 10.51%/yr for FDTS. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FNDC charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDTS.

Performance

FNDC vs. FDTS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF (FNDC) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDC achieves a 8.64% return, which is significantly lower than FDTS's 12.44% return. Over the past 10 years, FNDC has underperformed FDTS with an annualized return of 9.07%, while FDTS has yielded a comparatively higher 10.51% annualized return.

FNDC

• 1D: -2.22%
• 1M: -2.87%
• YTD: 8.64%
• 6M: 8.23%
• 1Y: 22.78%
• 3Y*: 17.82%
• 5Y*: 7.13%
• 10Y*: 9.07%

FDTS

• 1D: -3.77%
• 1M: -6.39%
• YTD: 12.44%
• 6M: 12.40%
• 1Y: 36.22%
• 3Y*: 23.84%
• 5Y*: 9.93%
• 10Y*: 10.51%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FNDC vs. FDTS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF	8.64%	35.65%	1.38%	14.92%	-14.71%	10.26%	6.58%	20.58%	-19.10%	29.22%
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	12.44%	51.17%	2.44%	10.96%	-15.34%	11.79%	12.90%	18.71%	-23.71%	36.01%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDC and FDTS is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.62

Over the past year, FNDC and FDTS have become more correlated (0.90) than their long-term average of 0.62, meaning their price movements have been converging.

FNDC vs. FDTS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDC	FDTS
Industrials	25.3%	22.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.9%	18.9%
Financial Services	11.4%	11.9%
Basic Materials	11.3%	11.3%
Technology	10.1%	14.1%
Real Estate	6.6%	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	4.7%
Healthcare	4.8%	2.8%
Communication Services	4.7%	3.2%
Energy	4.1%	4.0%
Utilities	2.6%	2.7%

Return for Risk

FNDC vs. FDTS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FNDC

FNDC Risk / Return Rank: 45
FNDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
FNDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
FNDC Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FNDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
FNDC Martin Ratio Rank: 47

FDTS

FDTS Risk / Return Rank: 60
FDTS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
FDTS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FDTS Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FDTS Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
FDTS Martin Ratio Rank: 57

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FNDC vs. FDTS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF (FNDC) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FNDC	FDTS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.95	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.62	-0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.35	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	2.89	-0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.47	9.60	-2.13

FNDC vs. FDTS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDC Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the FDTS Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDC and FDTS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FNDC vs. FDTS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDC drawdown since its inception was -43.22%, smaller than the maximum FDTS drawdown of -51.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDC and FDTS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDC	FDTS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.22%	-51.26%	+8.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.20%	-12.61%	+1.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.98%	-13.19%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.13%	-33.11%	+0.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.22%	-51.26%	+8.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.48%	-9.86%	+5.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.42%	-10.64%	+2.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.06%	3.78%	-0.72%

Volatility

FNDC vs. FDTS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF (FNDC) is 5.54%, while First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) has a volatility of 9.16%. This indicates that FNDC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FDTS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDC	FDTS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.54%	9.16%	-3.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.73%	16.13%	-3.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.96%	18.63%	-3.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.09%	29.47%	-13.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.69%	24.85%	-8.16%

FNDC vs. FDTS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDC has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than FDTS's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDC vs. FDTS - Dividend Comparison

FNDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.55%, more than FDTS's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDTS First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund	2.67%	2.94%	3.94%	2.90%	3.71%	3.01%	2.02%	2.30%	1.96%	2.08%	1.78%	1.73%
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF	3.55%	3.86%	3.59%	2.86%	1.98%	2.58%	1.77%	2.71%	2.68%	1.94%	1.95%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDC and FDTS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, FNDC and FDTS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FNDC or FDTS?

FDTS has higher volatility (9.16%) compared to FNDC (5.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDC dropped -43.22% vs FDTS's -51.26%.

Which ETF is better, FNDC or FDTS?

On 10-year performance, FDTS leads with 10.51% vs 9.07% for FNDC. On fees, FNDC is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, FNDC has been the lower-risk option at 5.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDC or FDTS?

Over the 10-year period, FDTS has performed better with a 10.51% return vs 9.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDC or FDTS?

FNDC is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDTS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FNDC or FDTS?

FNDC has the higher dividend yield at 3.55%, compared with 2.67% for FDTS.

What is the main difference between FNDC and FDTS?

FNDC tracks Russell RAFI Small Company Developed x US, while FDTS tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDC and 0.80% for FDTS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDTS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.53), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.